DRAFT
Parameters
For
Military Family
Services Program
(English – Cornwall 2015 Draft)
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2015 - Modernizing the Program - Why Now?
After many years of responding almost exclusively to pressing requirements, most borne from
two decades of near-continuous operations, there is a patchwork quality to elements of the
Canadian Armed Forces institutional support to families. This has been exacerbated by
competing requirements during this same timeframe of securing and maintaining reasonable
resource levels, restoring neglected or dysfunctional relationships, re-organizing and restructuring internally, and assembling a team with the right array of skills and experience.
Today represents an important opportunity for the military families support function to take a
step back, listen intently, evaluate its effectiveness and coherence, and re-calibrate where
required. Such an opportunity has not existed since the early 1990s. The timing is equally
opportune because the situation today’s military family community faces is not substantively
simpler or easier than that of recent years. Military families continue to confront daunting
challenges in establishing and maintaining healthy, relatively stable family environments, several
of which are holdovers of the sustained operational tempo that dominated the 1990s and 2000s.
For many military families today, achieving persistent well-being is elusive. The time for a
renewal of institutional military family support is as important now for families, as it is for the
institution.
The original Parameters for Practice was launched in 2004. The update of this document is more
focused and tangible than ever before. The values and principles with which the function will be
executed moving forward are relevant to the families it serves, and will become embodied by all
Military Family Services practitioners as they conduct the business of supporting today’s
military families.
At the heart of this modernization plan and its intent to deliver more tangible outcomes to
families are partnerships, especially those with families themselves and the broader community
led by the Military Family Resource Centers. These relationships have to be improved and more
fully leveraged with the sole objective of providing better support to military families today and
tomorrow.
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SECTION 1 – Introducing Parameters for Practice
Parameters for the Military Family Services Program is designed for and intended to provide
guidance in the delivery of programs, services and resources to military families through the
Military Family Resource Centres across Canada and around the world. This guide has been
created to provide Military Family Resource Centre Board of Directors, Advisory Committees,
Military Family Resource Centre Staff, and Commanding Officers a common understanding of
the unique military family lifestyle and the programs, resources and services that the Military
Family Resource Centres have been entrusted to deliver. This guide is also useful for both
military and civilian community partners; as well as local, provincial and national stakeholders
who play an important contributing role in enhancing the lives of military families.
Canada has a long history of supporting military families. In 1947, structured family support
began with educational programs for Canadian military children. This legacy of educational
support continues today in the form of two international schools with Ontario School Board
teachers and curriculum located overseas. Over the decades, support expanded as the unique
needs of Canadian military families evolved and the links between family health and resilience,
and military operational readiness and effectiveness became clear. The 1980s featured an
assortment of loosely connected grassroots family initiatives in Canada and abroad. As the voice
of families became increasingly focused, Department of National Defence more fully accepted
its fundamental social and moral obligations to military families by establishing the first formal
publicly funded and nationally coordinated family support system in 1991. It formed the
backbone of today’s family-based approach to service delivery, consisting of a network of
programs and services delivered both centrally as well as through a partnership with more than
thirty family resource centres across the country and beyond.
Characteristics of the Military Family Services Program
The delivery of support services to CAF families are expected to have the following
characteristics:
 Flexible and responds to the documented needs of the local community
 Designed with an awareness of the unique nature of the military lifestyle
 Reflects the characteristics, backgrounds, needs and circumstances of families
 Offered in collaboration with other agencies and organizations when feasible
 Publicized regularly through a variety of means
 Delivered by staff and volunteers who are appropriately trained and supervised
 Incorporates the involvement of adult and youth volunteers as much as possible
 Delivered in a professional, ethical manner
 Timely and accessible to CAF families, on and off base
 Provided in a confidential environment
 Evaluated periodically by the MFRC to assess quality, efficiency and effectiveness
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Involves participants in planning, designing and evaluating services
Does not duplicate services available through other agencies and organizations
Ensures seamless, integrated service delivery.
Foundational Relationships
The key to understanding and supporting modern military families in today’s environment is
the decisive relationship between military families, Military Family Resource Centres,
national and community partners, and Military Family Services. This triangular relationship
is essential in providing modern military families with the support required to navigate the
many challenges of service life of today and tomorrow. Trusted relationships and leveraged
partnerships are the key to delivering the right support, in the right time and space, and in the
right proportions.
The collective challenge is thus to foster and improve upon existing relationships and
partnerships, moving past the obstacles that have impeded collaboration in the past. The
strength and success of tomorrow’s military families depend on it.
These foundational relationships are depicted as follows:
SECTION 2 - Broad Organizational Context
Military Family Services, a division of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, works to
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ensure that the Canadian military family community is well supported in order for military
families to lead positive and nurturing family lives comparable to other Canadian families.
Military Family Services manages two distinct programs—Children Education Management and
Military Family Services Program—on behalf of the Department of National Defence and the
Canadian Armed Forces. Military Family Services develops policies and standards, invests
financial resources, offers professional guidance, and makes available performance measurement
tools to promote and sustain the excellence, relevance and accountability of both Programs.
Children Education Management provides children of military families with the required
elementary and secondary educational support they need, especially for families who are posted
to a foreign location.
The Military Family Services Program promotes and facilitates community-based services and
programs to enhance the well-being of military families. As such, Military Family Services
invests in front-line services for families through Military Family Resource Centres, which are
located on bases, wings and units across Canada, the United States and Europe. Military Family
Resource Centres are family governed, federally funded, not-for-profit organizations with
charitable status.
In addition to services and support available locally at Military Family Resource Centres,
Military Family Services also nationally connects military families to services and support
through the Family Information Line and www.FamilyForce.ca. The Family Information Line is
a bilingual toll-free service at 1-800-866-4546 that provides supportive counselling and useful
information to military families, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Another access point to
service is through www.FamilyForce.ca, a website for and about military families that connects
families with their local Military Family Resource Centre and other available services and
resources.
For more information about Military Family Services click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/Pages/default.aspx
Philosophical Framework
The philosophy of the Military Family Services Program determines the nature of the Program
and what it hopes to achieve. A philosophical framework provides guidance to and context for
the work of Military Family Services, and for the Military Family Resource Centres. It outlines
why services are provided, and the values and principles that should be reflected in the
development, delivery and governance of the services.
Mission
The mission should be understood, known and accepted by all stakeholders. The Military Family
Services Program mission is:
“To contribute to the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces families; enabling a mission-ready
force that protects Canadians and Canadian interests across the country and around the world”.
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Values
In addition to the core Canadian military values of integrity, professionalism, trust and respect,
the delivery of military family services is expected to be:
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Compassionate - strive to fully understand the complex issues and situations modern
military families face from the family’s perspective; it will focus more intently on
developing real solutions that deliver tangible results for families.
Creative - develop innovative solutions to the challenges confronting modern military
families. Creative thinking, intellectual rigor and the courage to consider innovative
ways of delivering solutions and services to families will be valued and strongly
encouraged.
Responsive - agile and flexible, resulting in faster response times and a strengthened
ability to shift attention and resources to emerging priorities.
Fair - support modern military families fairly and objectively, free from any bias, motive
or agenda other than delivering tangible outcomes to constituents.
Collaborative - work closely with clients, partners and enablers to develop effective
solutions and deliver more tangible services to families. Strong, trusting relationships
with the military family community stakeholders and service providers are essential.
SECTION 3 -Military Family Resource Centres
In Canada:
Military Family Resource Centres are committed to enriching the lives of individuals and
families in Canadian Armed Forces communities through positive action, education and support.
They provide relevant programs and services that empower and encourage strong, independent
individuals and families within the Canadian Armed Forces.
Military Family Resource Centres encourage and facilitate the voluntary participation of
Canadian Armed Forces families, particularly spouses, in all facets of their operations – from
program planning and delivery to organizational governance and leadership.
The engagement and participation of families in activities and decisions that facilitate the wellbeing of a community lie at the centre of successful community development efforts. They are
also at the heart of the Military Family Services Program. The model chosen for the delivery of
military family services was one of family support and community development.
In Canada, Military Family Resource Centres are incorporated, not-for-profit, third-party
organizations. They are governed by elected Board of Directors consisting of a minimum of 51%
military family members and work in partnership with the local Commanding Officer.
For more information on Military Family Resource Centres in Canada click here:
http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/AllLocations/EN/About%20Us/Pages/CMFRCs.aspx
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Military Family Services in Europe and the United States
Military Family Services supports Canadian military families who are posted to Europe and the
United States.
Military Family Resource Centres in Canada are incorporated, not-for-profit, third party
organizations, who work in partnership with Military Family Services. In Europe and the United
States, this is not possible due to the out of country status. As a result, the responsibility for
governance of Military Family Services is not vested with a Board of Directors. Instead,
Military Family Services is directly responsible for the delivery of the Military Family Services
Program in Europe and the United States. Military Family Services Regional Managers, located
in Geilenkirchen, Germany and Colorado Springs, Colorado respectively, are responsible for
management of this program.
Military Family Services Regional Managers are accountable to Military Family Services and
responsive to the chain of command who are ultimately responsible for Canadian military
families. Service Level Agreements between Director General Morale and Welfare Services and
Formation Europe Commander (In Europe); Commander Canadian Defence Liaison Staff
Washington; and, Commanding Officer Canadian NORAD Outcan Staff (in US) outline
respective responsibilities for the implementation of the Military Family Services Program in
Europe and the US.
The Military Family Services Program is offered directly to Canadian Military families through
MFS staff geographically disbursed throughout Europe and the United States. Staff are all
employees of Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services and report to the Regional
Managers. Financial and human resource management is conducted in accordance with NonPublic Fund policies and procedures developed by the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare
Services.
Advisory Committees are established to ensure that the community is adequately represented
when decisions are made. They contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of Military
Family Services. The volunteer Committee is made up of at least 51% civilian family members
of full time servicing Canadian Armed Forces members and supported by a Commanding
Officer’s representative
For more information on MFRCs in Europe click here:
http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/Remote%20Personnel%20Family%20Services/EN/Pages/default.aspx
For more information on MFRCs in the United States click here:
http://www.familyforce.ca/EN/Pages/default.aspx
SECTION 4 - Program Foundations
Community Engagement
The Military Family Services program is based on community engagement. Successful community
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engagement revolves around the intimate relationship between Military Family Services and Military
Family Resource Centres in actively connecting and collaborating with external community partners in
addressing these major military family challenges. Of these partners, the provinces and territories are central
because of their jurisdictional roles in these areas greater involvement by civilian stakeholders along with
provincial leaders is necessary to help close the gap between persistent family requirements and available
services.
Families – Populations Served
Defining the military family is understood to be all Canadian Armed Forces’ personnel, Regular and
Reserve Force, and their spouses, partners, parents, children and relatives.
It also includes Non-Public Fund and the Department of National Defence civilian employees during a
deployment with the Canadian Armed Forces to a mission area outside of Canada, their parents, spouses,
children and dependent relatives.
Finally, family members and persons of significance to Canadian Armed Forces personnel who die while
serving remain part of the military family community in perpetuity.
All military family members matter regardless of provenance. However, there is an obvious and important
connection between relational proximity of family members to serving personnel, and the extent to which
service life affects their family lives. Support to military families must focus most intently upon those within
the military family community who are most vulnerable and adversely impacted, which is invariably the
immediate family living within the household of the serving member, along with the member’s parents. It is
for this reason that, while the range of family support programming extends across the breadth of the
constituency, the bulk of services focuses on spouses, children and parents. To approach this otherwise
would be unfair to those most challenged by the particularities of Canadian military family life.
The Canadian Armed Forces Family Covenant
The idea of a Canadian Armed Forces Covenant was first introduced at the Canadian Armed
Forces Family Services Summit held in May 2008. Attendees, comprised of Military Family
Resource Centre staff, board members, family members and Canadian Armed Forces members,
had the opportunity to provide direct input. Over the course of the summer 2008, additional
feedback was solicited which resulted in the final product.
The Covenant reflects a commitment to families and it serves as the cornerstone, or foundation,
from which we can continue to enhance military family services.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, specifically Military Family Services, leads the
way in developing initiatives to enhance existing services offered to families and introduce new
programs that are relevant to the needs of military families today.
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Privacy Code
The Privacy Code for Military Family Services Program helps Military Family Resource Centres
protect personal information of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families that is provided
to or collected by Military Family Resource Centres.
The Privacy Code along with any applicable provincial, territorial or federal Privacy Legislation
establishes the standard under which Military Family Resource Centres within Canada collect and
use personal information about CAF members and their families. Use of personal information,
including nominal roll information provided directly by the Canadian Armed Forces when a
member is posted or deployed, is necessary in order to provide mandated services to members and
their families. The Code protects this personal information as well as other information collected by
Military Family Resource Centres.
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For more information, please click here:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Documents/Policies%20and%20St
andards/privacyCode_e.pdf
Volunteers
Volunteering leads to personal growth and development, and to community engagement, both of
which are key Military Family Services Program goals. Opportunities exist throughout the
Military Family Services Program for meaningful volunteer involvement – on Boards of
Directors and Advisory Committees of Military Family Resource Centres, at the service delivery
level, and in service design and evaluation. Military Family Resource Centres support this
volunteer leadership involvement through sound volunteer principles and practices incorporated
into their services, including recruitment, screening, training, orientation, evaluation and
recognition. Where no suitable volunteer opportunities exist within a Military Family Resource
Centre, volunteers can be referred to volunteer opportunities elsewhere in the community.
When members of a community are actively engaged in the life of their community, the
community as a whole benefits. Since members of a community are often in the best position to
know their own needs, true community involvement engages family members in planning,
designing, delivering and evaluating services. The Military Family Services Program supports
communities to meet their changing needs and encourages community members to take
advantage of opportunities for personal growth and development.
The Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement, developed by Volunteer Canada in 2001, clearly
states the important values and benefits received from volunteer involvement, and provides a
framework for organizations to work with volunteers. The Code provides values, guiding principles
and organizational standards for volunteer involvement. The Military Family Services Program has
adopted this Code’s guidelines and standards with respect to the involvement of volunteers at
Military Family Resource Centers.
For more information, please click here:
http://volunteer.ca/content/canadian-code-volunteer-involvement-2012-edition
Official Languages Act Guidelines
Military Family Resource Centres provide services in both official languages in accordance with the
needs of the local Canadian Armed Forces community.
The Board of Directors/Advisory Committee and staff of each Military Family Resource Centres are
aware of the parameters of the Official Languages Act as it applies to their area of responsibility and
recognize the language requirements of their community. Notwithstanding community language
profiles, each Military Family Resource Centre has some ability to function in both official
languages.
Community Needs Assessment
A key goal of the Military Family Services Program is the active and meaningful participation of
Canadian Armed Forces families in the development, delivery and evaluation of military family
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services. One way to deliberately engage Canadian Armed Forces families in military family services
is through community needs assessments. Community Needs Assessments are effective in
identifying and understanding the needs of communities so that Military Family Resource Centres
ensure that their programs and services meet the demands of the families they serve.
In the past, Community Needs Assessments were conducted at each Canadian Armed Forces
community by Military Family Resource Centres and Personnel Support Program staff separately at
different intervals. These duplicate assessment efforts proved to be resource inefficient and unduly
burdened Canadian Armed Forces communities. Additionally, recent changes have been
implementing in Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis Social Sciences
Research Review Board processes. Consequently, the separate Military Family Resource Centre and
Personnel Support Programs Community Needs Assessment processes were consolidated and
streamlined. Military Family Services ensures that the individual needs of Personnel Support
Programs and Military Family Resource Centres are incorporated into the new consolidated process,
and information required for their separate operations is maintained. Military Family Services also
ensures that the local level resource requirements are minimized, and the Social Sciences Research
Review Board approval processes are streamlined to the maximum extent possible. The new process
will distinguish between assessing community need, soliciting participant evaluations of existing
services, and conducting market research. Each of these functions involves different strategies and
resources, and Military Family Services ensures that the appropriate strategy is developed for each,
minimizing the level of local resources currently expended.
For more information, please click here:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/GovernanceandAccountability/Pages/CommunityNee
dsAssessmentToolkit.aspx
Promotion of the Military Family Services Program Locally
It is expected that Military Family Resource Centres will dedicate staffing and funding resources
to communicate and promote the availability and benefits of the Military Family Services
Program to their local community. They will tailor their communications approaches to meet the
needs of their community and engage in meaningful two-way dialogue with military families.
They will also endeavor to partner with other local organizations to maximize cross-promotional
opportunities and community support in informing military families.
For more information, on the Military Family Services Program Communications and Marketing
Plan, please click below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/Working%20Groups/Pages/Communications-andMarketing-Working-Group.aspx
Effective Practices in Risk Management
Military Family Resource Centers take reasonable, appropriate and effective measures to manage
the inherent and foreseeable risks in their services and activities. Military Family Resource
Centres respond to increasing demands for greater accountability as they arise from changes and
developments in the law, public opinion and community standards.
Because the Military Family Resource Centres in Europe and the US are within the chain of
command, they are obligated to develop a formal Risk Management Plan. In Canada, Military
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Family Resource Centres are encouraged to develop local Risk Management Plans based on
sound risk management principles and best practices.
Risk Management Plans identify specific measures through which Military Family Resource
Centres can protect themselves, and can better protect and enhance the safety of their clients,
participants, paid and unpaid staff, Boards of Directors, Advisory Committee members and other
volunteers.
The most effective protection against risk is a fully-informed, attentive Board of Directors or
Advisory Committee, combined with appropriate organizational policies and procedures, and
well-managed staff, volunteers and resources.
For more information on Risk Management, click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Documents/Publications/Risk_Ma
nagement-2004-EN.pdf
Inclusion
While all families supporting a dependant with special needs face many challenges, Canadian
Armed Forces families face particular and unique challenges in meeting the needs of their special
needs family member as a result of the Canadian Armed Forces lifestyle. Waiting lists for
disability supports and services are a fact of life, but postings to different provinces aggravate the
wait times for special needs families who find themselves back at the bottom of waiting lists for
services in their new province. Additionally families find that the disability service system varies
from province to province and navigating the new system can be challenging. Military Family
Resource Centres are critical resources and support for these families. It is incumbent upon
Military Family Resource Centers to support and serve the needs of special needs families
through the implementation of an Inclusion Policy that allows for access to its services. An
Inclusion Policy Statement has been developed by the national Special Needs Working Group
for implementation at Centres. Military Family Resource Centres are also required under their
various provincial legislations, to accommodate and include individuals with special needs in
their centres’ programs.
Military Family Resource Centres accept and welcome military family children and adults of all
abilities. They believe that all individuals deserve an environment and experiences that promote
growth in all areas of their development. Using a strength-based approach, their programs and
services endeavor to provide for the full inclusion of individuals who require additional support
because of a physical, cognitive, social or emotional need. Resources, staff, training, funding
sources and community partnerships will vary from Military Family Resource Centre to Military
Family Resource Centre, therefore how inclusion will be fully supported will be specific to the
community.
For more information on inclusion and special needs, click on the link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/Working%20Groups/Pages/Special-Needs.aspx
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Non-Duplication of Services
Military Family Resource Centres are capable of forging as many service partners as their
individual communities will support. It is different for each location based on the community
profile. When a service that a Canadian Armed Forces family requires already exists within a
community it is not duplicated at the Military Family Resource Centre. Instead families are
referred to the community service provider. This is part of building community relations with
other service providers serving families in the same community.
The same is true of our military-related service partners. Personnel Support Programs are a
typical example. Personnel Support Programs serve the same families as Military Family
Resource Centres. While there is a general expectation of what each organization does locally,
there is no one-size-fits-all template. What this means is that when Personnel Support Programs
and Military Family Resource Centres find service areas that overlap locally, they work together
to agree upon areas of responsibility, while focusing on how to best serve families without
duplicating services or competing for the same limited resources.
Evaluation and Performance Measurement
The execution of Military Family Service priorities will be measured methodically at twelvemonth increments throughout the reporting period to ensure they are delivering the desired
effects. The results of this performance measurement will be communicated to the military
family community in the interest of transparency.
The key performance indicators against which the family support function will be evaluated will
focus on social return on investment; specifically the extent to which Military Family Services
activities and services are tangibly contributing to the well-being of contemporary military
families. These indicators will consist of a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures around
the familial challenges triggered or exacerbated by the Canadian Armed Forces lifestyle.
Primary community stakeholders, predominantly military families themselves, will be involved
in determining these indicators.
For more information on Evaluation and Performance Measurement, please click below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/Working%20Groups/Pages/PerformanceMeasurement.aspx
SECTION 5 -Service Framework
The key to supporting modern military families is the inter-dependent relationship between
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military families, Military Family Resource Centers and Military Family Services. This
relationship is vital to providing modern military families with the support required to navigate
the many challenges of service life. Military Family Services invests in front-line services for
families through Military Family Resource Centres. Leveraging our partnership provides
investment and programming which enables Military Family Resource Centers to deliver frontline programming and service to families in their communities. In addition to local services and
support available at Military Family Resource Centers, Military Family Services also connects
families to national services and support. This section will explain the services available locally,
and nationally.
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The Military Family Services program model visually depicted below shows the integration of
various parts of the program.
A number of guiding principles will help translate the Military Family Services mission and
values into tangible outcomes that matter to military families.
Support to military families will be family centered. Families know what their needs are and
what works best and therefore must influence the approaches and offerings developed by service
providers. In serving the community of families, the Military Family Services Division will
channel its resources and efforts to developing solutions that are shaped by families and deliver
tangible, meaningful outcomes to them. Activities not directly linked to such outcomes will not
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be undertaken or pursued.
Support to military families will be operationally focused. Modern military family support
will be anchored in the fundamental relationship connecting healthy, resilient families with
strong, effective warriors. Over and above the institution’s moral obligation to military families,
this direct link between families and operational readiness will guide and fuel Military Family
Services.
Support to military families will more fully integrate communities. The communities where
military families live and work are more diverse and influence military family life differently
than in the past. The growing trend of living away from military bases is a major component of
this. As a result, the impact of local community must be integrated more fully into family support
planning and service delivery, ensuring that national efforts compliment and reinforce local
services, and vice versa. Moreover, social inclusion leveraged through partnerships between
MFS and local entities will be actively encouraged. These partnerships must be strengthened and
grown as they are pivotal in ensuring this institutional to- grassroots synergy.
Support to military families will be soundly stewarded. Military Family Services, as
mandated by Treasury Board, will exercise sound, responsible national oversight and
management of military family support programming, funding and validation. It will also
provide leadership, guidance, structure and/or assistance in the delivery of regional and local
services. Ensuring the long-term value, sustainability and accountability of the military family
support function within the prevailing fiscal environment will continue to be an over-arching
priority in managing this social enterprise.
Support to military families is a no-fail mission. Healthy, resilient military families are at the
core of a modern professional military force, influencing recruiting, retention, morale,
performance, reputation, operational readiness and operational sustainability. The Canadian
Armed Forces’ ability to defend Canadians and Canadian interests depends on effective support
to modern military families, inspiring Military Family Services to successfully contribute to their
well-being.
For more information, please click here:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/DEM/Pages/default.aspx
Introduction to Service Framework Coordinated at the Community
Level
The Military Family Services Program was developed to respond to the identified needs of
military families that arise from the unique characteristics of the military lifestyle. The Military
Family Services Parameters for Practice outlines the service and program delivery component of
the Military Family Services Program. Costs associated with the delivery of the Military Family
Services Program include:
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Information and Education/Awareness:
 Welcome and orientation
 Information
 Education programming (parenting, psychoeducational, deployment, financial, etc.)
 Personal development
Referral and Support/Services:
 Deployment support
 Veteran Family program support
 Referral to community services
 Employment services
 Educational support
 Community integration
 Activities for children and youth
 Health care referral
 Outreach
 Assessment of family needs
 Casual child care
 Interprovincial transferability (specialists and special needs)
Intervention:
 Counselling (psychosocial, employment, etc.)
 Emergency child care
 Crisis support
 Family Liaison Officer
For more information on the Military Family Services Program service model, click on link
below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Pages/default.aspx
Family Liaison Program
Physically located within the Canadian Armed Forces Integrated Personnel Support Centre, a
family liaison/family support function has been established to support the Integrated Personnel
Support Centre team in delivering standardized yet tailored, consistent care, service and support
to families of Canadian Armed Forces personnel coping with illness, an injury, and/or special
need, or who have died while serving.
The Family Liaison Officer will be centrally funded through Military Family Services and under
the management and supervision of the local Military Family Resource Centre.
For more information on the Family Liaison Officer, click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Pages/FLOandCSCC.aspx
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Veterans Transition
Families play a critical role in supporting Canadian Armed Forces members. With that in mind,
the Canadian Armed Forces will launch a pilot project to extend access to the Military Family
Support Program. The project will be initiated on a trial basis by permitting access at seven
Military Family Resource Centres to ill and injured Veterans after release so that their families
can continue to benefit from these great resources in familiar environments. This new initiative
will enable access to the resource centres by eligible Veterans for an additional two years after
they release from the Canadian Armed Forces. The extension of the program to other Military
Family Resource Centres will be evaluated based on the results of the initial pilot project.
For more information on support to Veterans, click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/Pages/Veterans-and-Families.aspx
Support to Reserve Force
The Reserve Force is that component of the Canadian Armed Forces consisting of members who
are enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces for other than continuing, full-time military service.
The primary role of the Reserve Force is to augment, sustain and support deployed forces.
Secondary roles are to provide a base for expansion and mobilization, and to provide a vital link
between the Canadian Armed Forces and communities across Canada.
With today’s operational tempo, many reservists are tasked with overseas service (active duty),
or ongoing operational duty within Canada, as is the case of the Naval Reserve. In addition,
reservists may be tasked with active duty within Canada during times of national crisis or natural
disaster.
At such times of deployment, families of reservists need information, resources and support that
are similar to the needs of families of regular force members.
For more information on support to Reserves, click on link below:
http://www.familyforce.ca/sites/MainlandBC/EN/ReserveForceFamily/Pages/default.aspx
Second Language Learning
The intent of Second Language Learning is to facilitate families of Canadian Armed Forces
personnel to acquire the ability to function with increased comfort and confidence in an
environment where the predominant local language is not their first language It is also intended
that service options allow for more flexible access to a variety of learning methods including online, self-directed, as well as traditional class-led learning at a Military Family Resource Centre.
This service approach addresses the lack of qualified language instructors in some locations, but
still allows for language learning other than class-led learning to take place in such locations.
Childcare will be available to Canadian Armed Forces family members participating in class-led
learning at an Military Family Resource Centre with the cost being borne by the parents.
Reimbursement of the registration fee for class-led learning will be uniformly applied to
Canadian Armed Forces families who attend 85% or more of the classes.
For more information on Second Language Learning please click here:
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https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Pages/Second-LanguageResources.aspx
DIRECT SERVICES COORDINATED NATIONALLY
Children's Education Management
Children’s Education Management manages the education compensation and benefits programs
for Department of National Defence members to ensure that their dependent children obtain
elementary and secondary education. Children’s Education Management compensation and
benefits program consists of:
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Under Section 12(1) of the National Defense Act in accordance with authorized Canadian
Armed Forces Overseas School Regulations provide management and supervision of the
operational planning, delivery and administration of Education programs offered in
Department of National Defense Dependant Schools Overseas including: finance
(budget/payroll, curriculum, securing teacher services, international agreements, busing
of students, technology, plant operation, administrative support services).
Management of Departmental Foreign Service Education Allowances and related care
allowances, such as Family Reunion Travel, Education, Post Secondary Shelter
allowance, Special education on behalf of dependent children of CAF members. The
Foreign Service Directives are deemed to form part of the collective agreement between
the Treasury Board acting as the employer and Bargaining Agents representing
employees under the auspices of the National Joint Council.
Ontario Agent for Private School Granting Secondary School Credits, AFNORTH
International School -Canadian Secondary program, in accordance with section 16 of the
Ontario Education Act.
Inside Canada - The responsibilities of Children's Education Management are to assist,
provide information and authorize military education allowance entitlements to assist
Canadian Armed Forces members with transition from one province/territory to another.
Transition within a province/territory should be seamless under normal circumstances
For more information on Children’s Education Management, click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/DEM/Pages/default.aspx
Family Information Line
Loved ones of a Canadian Armed Forces members can contact the Family Information Line for
any support needed as a result of the unique nature of military life. The Family Information
Line offers confidential, personal and bilingual assistance. Their counsellors can help military
families obtain information, and provide reassurance, support and referral to the various
services offered to Canadian Armed Forces families.
Family Information Line counsellors provide supportive counselling seven days a week, 24
hours a day. By calling the Family Information Line, families can be connected to friendly,
experienced professionals who are well-versed on Canadian Armed Forces communities and
services. Family Information Line counsellors can also connect families with helpful national
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and local resources, including local Military Family Resource Centres.
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1-800-866-4546 (International)
1-613-995-5234 (Collect calls)
For more information on the Family Information Line, click on link below:
https://www.familyforce.ca/sites/FIL/EN/Pages/default.aspx
FamilyForce.ca
FamilyForce.ca is a Military Family Services website connecting Military Families with Military
Family Resource Centres across the country and around the world, and a host of other national
family resources.
For more information on FamilyForce.ca website, click link below:
http://www.familyforce.ca/splash.aspx
SECTION 6- Funding
Services provided under the Military Family Services Parameters for Practice are determined and
funded by Military Family Services. At the local level, the Commanding Officer provides
facilities, services and materials in support of Military Family Services Parameters for Practice.
The Policy Governing Operation of Personnel Support Programs in the Canadian Armed Forces
(A-PS-110-001/AG-002) governs the nature and extent of the public support required of the
Base/Wing Commander
Military Family Services funds are available through two main sources:
 Baseline funding: The core budget required to maintain relevant operations of the Centre
from year to year. The baseline may be adjusted from year to year to account for
additional services and to reflect an annual inflation factor.
 Supplemental Funding, which consists of:
o Contingency funding: The additional funds that are required within the year to
address unforeseen changes in operational requirements.
o Special Project funding: To be used for special initiatives that could be either
Centre or Military Family Services initiated.
There are three stages of the funding process:
 Baseline Funding Request – Military Family Services will adjust the baseline funding
amount each year. The adjustment is simply the previous year’s baseline amount with the
applied inflation factor and any previous year ongoing in-year allocations. Baseline
Funding will not include funds previously received for project development and will be
predetermined using the “MFSP Funding Request” worksheet.
 Funding Allocation - The Service Delivery Agreement has been replaced by a simple set
of tables showing proposed funding (Baseline Funding Distribution Form) allocations for
only three categories: Management and Administration; Family Engagement and
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Community Development; and, Program Delivery expenses.
Financial and Performance Reports - This stage will no longer require extensive
breakdowns and will use the same tables from the Baseline Funding Distribution and
Quarterly Financial Reports.
Year-End and Performance Reporting
An essential component of the new funding and reporting process will be the year end reporting
functions and performance reporting. The performance reporting will be based on several key
performance indicators that will require tracking throughout the FY and submission at year end.
These measures will be targeted at evaluating community impact, rather than measuring and
reporting statistics only. The focus will be on collective community impacts, with a focus on the
dynamic nature of community change.
Another year-end reporting function will require the tracking and recording of other sources of
funding. This report will allow Military Family Services to track all additional funding used in
support of the Military Family Services Program delivery. It will also provide a more realistic
and accurate snapshot in time as to what the true cost of the Military Family Services Program is
at both a local and cumulative national level. As part of the reporting function as it relates to
other sources of funding, a separate one-line question will ask the cost of licensed, full-time
childcare at Military Family Resource Centers; so as to capture the cost of the very important
service that is not reported elsewhere.
Other year-end reporting requirements will include the tracking and input of supplemental funds,
including special projects and contingency funding. Again, the reporting process will be a
simplified process using Fluid Surveys or similar.
Lastly, total cost of management and administration calculated as: Total all Management and
Administration expenses divided by the total centre revenue (all sources, except licensed
childcare) equals the Management and Administration percentage.
Other Supporting Documents
The national Memo of Understanding is revised and streamlined to more accurately reflect the
new funding process. The Memo of Understanding is also transitioned to a three-year document/
process, in parallel with the three-year funding process. There will be on average, eleven (11)
centres renewing and submitting funding requests and funding distribution forms, in conjunction
with the three-year Memo of Understanding in any given year.
For more information, please click here:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/fundingcentral/Pages/default.aspx
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SECTION 7 - Useful Definitions
Family Focused - Support to military families will be family centered. Families know what
their needs are and what works best and therefore must influence the approaches and offerings
developed by service providers. In serving the community of families, Military Family Resource
Centers will channel their resources and efforts to developing solutions that are shaped by
families and deliver tangible, meaningful outcomes to them. Activities not directly linked to such
outcomes will not be undertaken or pursued.
Community engagement - Is a planned process with the specific purpose of working with
identified groups of people, whether they are connected by geographic location, special interest,
or affiliation or identify to address issues affecting their well-being. The linking of the term
'community' to 'engagement' serves to broaden the scope, shifting the focus from the individual
to the collective, with the associated implications for inclusiveness to ensure consideration is
made of the diversity that exists within any community.
Successful community engagement revolves around the intimate relationship between Military
Family Services and Military Family Resource Centres in actively connecting and collaborating
with external community partners in addressing these major military family challenges. Of these
partners, the provinces and territories are central because of their jurisdictional roles in these
areas. Greater involvement by civilian stakeholders along with provincial leaders is necessary to
help close the gap between persistent family requirements and available services.
Mandated Services -These are services approved by Canadian Armed Forces to respond to
essential needs of Canadian Armed Forces families that arise from their unique lifestyle and/or
support personal, family and community development. These services will be offered by Military
Family Resource Centres where demonstrated need exists, and in accordance with the policies
published by Military Family Services. Mandated services are publicly funded by Assistant
Deputy Minister Human Resources, Military through Military Family Services.
Site-Specific Services - These are locally-funded family services, consistent with the goals and
objectives of the Military Family Services Program, offered at individual Military Family
Resource Centres. Site-specific services are offered in response to identified and documented
community needs, if acceptable to the Commanding Officer, and in Canada, to the Military
Family Resource Center Board of Directors. Site-specific services offered by Military Family
Resource Centres may be supported through public and non-public funds provided by
Department of National Defence, through the Commanding Officer to the Military Family
Resource Centre, or through fundraising, donations, grants, fees for services or other revenue-
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generating avenues available to not-for-profit organizations.
Military Family Services - Military Family Services is responsible for the provision of national
support to Canadian Armed Forces families, as well as funding for, and stewardship of, the
Military Family Services and Children’s Education Programs.
Military Family Services Program - The Military Family Services Program is the Canadian
Armed Forces-wide community based support program delivering coordinated, consistent
national services for families, as well as a framework for families and communities to influence
and manage local priorities and services.
Children’s Education Program - Children’s Education Management governs the education,
compensation and benefits programs for Department of National Defence members, ensuring
that their dependent children have access to elementary and secondary education regardless of
geographic location.
Strength-based approach – Refers to a philosophy that special needs programming is built
around an individual’s strengths rather than weaknesses.
Outreach and Engagement Services – This term represents staff promoting services and
leveraging partnerships. Outreach aims to inform and raise awareness of existing available
services. Engagement aims to involve and collaborate with others in communities. Outreach and
engagement can be achieved through informal or formal networks. Examples of formal
networks include organizations and departments. Examples of informal networks include
individuals, families, friends, and associations.
Peer Support Services – Quite simply, this term is meant to represent activities where people
are helping people. Peer Support Services focus on social and emotional support,
encouragement and hope that recovery is possible by connecting people that share common
experiences. They focus on health and recovery, may not require involvement of a clinician, are
not based on psychiatric models and do not require diagnostic criteria.
Psychoeducational Services – This term represents professionals teaching people.
Psychoeducational Services focus on prevention and personal growth through education. They
involve the transmission of knowledge and the development of specific abilities in order to
maintain and improve autonomy, recovery, health and social functioning.
They may be related to health, mental health, wellness or other related topics and can be
provided one-on-one or in a group.
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Psychosocial Program Services – represents qualified mental health professionals helping
people. Psychosocial Program Services focus on short term counselling on issues that do not
require the involvement of a doctor, such as adjustment difficulties, workplace issues,
marriage/family problems, crisis management, and addictions awareness. Military members
seeking individual intervention must be referred to Canadian Armed Forces Health Services to
ensure Canadian Armed Forces administrative procedures are followed (e.g. screenings,
compassionate moves, etc.).
Mental Health Treatment Services – are currently not a mandated service within the MFSP,
but represent medical professionals treating people. Mental Health Treatment Services are
specialized programs and services structured to provide multidisciplinary evidence-based care by
registered professionals with the aim of fostering significant changes in cognitive, emotional, or
behavioral functioning, or in personality, interpersonal relations or health.
Additional Resources for MFRCs please click on link below:
https://www.cfmws.com/en/AboutUs/MFS/ResourcesMFRCs/Pages/default.aspx